EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Friday expressed her “deep concern” at the escalating violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip and “deplored” the loss of civilian lives on both sides. “The rocket attacks by Hamas and other factions in Gaza which began this current crisis are totally unacceptable for any government and must stop. Israel has the right to protect its population from these kinds of attacks,” she asserted in a statement. Ashton urged Israel “to ensure that its response is proportionate.” The EU foreign policy chief said she spoke with leaders in the region including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and with the Egyptian President’s office and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. She stressed the need to prevent any further escalation that would lead to more loss of lives. “In my discussions I made the point that we must move forward in finding a solution to the Middle East conflict so that millions of people in the region can finally live in peace and security.” she noted. “I hope Egyptian PM Kandil in his visit to Gaza today will be able calm the situation,” added Ashton.